Bloomberg applauds Rhode Island’s drug program during visit

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says Rhode Island is making progress against opioid addiction with its prison programming.

The billionaire presidential prospect highlighted the dangers of the opioid crisis while visiting the Adult Correctional Institutions in Cranston.

Bloomberg was joined by Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo, who arranged the meeting.

Raimondo says ACI’s medications for addiction treatment program has reduced post-incarceration deaths by overdose by 60 percent since its inception last year. Bloomberg applauded the state’s efforts, calling for similar attention nationwide.

Bloomberg noted that life expectancy in the U.S. declined in 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited overdose deaths as a major factor in their findings.

Bloomberg has said he would decide would decide whether to enter the 2020 presidential contest by January or February.